Ankylosing spondylitis is the scientific name for Bechterew's disease in medicine. The disease is based on an inflammatory condition of the spine. As a result of inflammation of the intervertebral joints, there is partial or complete restriction of spinal movements.
Causes
Unfortunately, the etiology of Bechterew's disease is unclear. There are suggestions about the influence of genetic features of the immune system. The disease is more commonly manifested in men in their late twenties to early thirties.
Diagnosis of Bechterew's Disease in Israel
The functional impairment of the joints has 3 degrees of severity:
- Physiological curves change, and there is a tendency for restricted mobility in the structure of the spine and joints
- Mobility restriction progresses. The disease becomes so pronounced that the patient is forced to change even their profession, as they receive a 3rd group disability
- Ankylosis (complete loss of joint mobility) of the spine in all its sections and the hip joint is observed. Disability may worsen to the first or second group.
Distinctive symptoms of the disease:
- Back pain (in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions) lasting more than three months is the first symptom to pay attention to
- Severe pain in the lower limbs, iliac region (lower side of the abdomen). It radiates to the buttocks
- Pain in the heel bones
- Difficulty breathing is observed, becoming more superficial as the chest loses mobility
- Reduced mobility of the spine.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, the patient will undergo a series of progressive diagnostic procedures to verify the diagnosis of Bechterew's disease:
- Clinical and biochemical comprehensive blood tests
- Rheumatoid test
- X-ray examination
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
In addition to taking the medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in orthopedics, oncology, and anesthesiology are conducted at the Ichilov clinic.
Treatment of Bechterew's Disease in Israel
Fortunately, this disease can be treated in two ways: conservatively and surgically.
The conservative method involves medication treatment. First and foremost, it is symptomatic therapy to eliminate the most pronounced and troubling symptoms for the patient.
The medications for this purpose include:
- Glucocorticoids
- Cytostatic drugs
- Salazopyrine derivatives
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immunosuppressants (in advanced stages of the disease).
Manual therapy and therapeutic exercise are also included in the conservative measures. Back massage in Bechterew's disease reduces pain and strengthens muscles, decreasing their weakness.
In cases where medication therapy is ineffective, as well as in advanced stages of the disease, there are indications for surgical intervention:
- Spinal surgeries
- Prosthetics with vertebra replacement.